Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Overview

One of the largest airports in Africa, Cape Town International Airport is close behind Johannesburg in terms of flights to South Africa, handling more than 8.2 million passengers each year on nearly 100,000 flights.

The terminal is airy and spacious, and is known for its efficiency. Passengers have many options to choose from when spending their layover at Cape Town International Airport, including dozens of shops and restaurants. Getting to Cape Town from the airport is now just as easy, with express public transport links to the city centre.

South African airports have come under fire for reports of theft by baggage handlers, including Cape Town International Airport. However, most flights to Cape Town are hassle-free, and travellers can sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Mother City as they glide in over Table Mountain.

Location

The airport is situated 11 miles (18km) east of Cape Town.

Getting to the city

The MyCiti bus is the quickest and cheapest option for getting into the city, with an express to the city centre costing around ZAR 80 in addition to the once off ZAR 30 for a MyCiti card. Door-to-door minibus services are available for the journey to the city, taking approximately half an hour. Many hotels operate courtesy buses and a 24-hour backpacker bus is available hourly to many hostels. Other options include private services such as Uber and Taxify.

Time

GMT +2

Contacts

Tel: +27 21 937 1200.

Car rental

Car rental companies include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, and Tempest.

Airport Taxis

A taxi to the centre of Cape Town takes approximately 30 minutes and the cost may vary depending on the time of day and number of passengers, generally amounting to between ZAR 150 and ZAR 250, with fares up to 50 percent more at night. Only Touch Down Taxis, the authorised airport taxi company, is allowed to operate from the airport.

Facilities

ATMs, bars, restaurants, and currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport. There are several shops, including duty-free in the International Departures section. A VAT refund service is available by the International check in desk. Hotel reservations and tourist information are also available.

Parking

There is short and long-term parking in a multilevel parking garage connected to the terminal. Fees range from around ZAR 20 for the first hour in the cheapest parking area to a minimum charge of ZAR 725 (including five days of parking) in the long-term parking area. There is also a special pick-up area that offers free parking for 30 minutes.

Website

www.airports.co.za

Internet

There are four free hours of wifi provided to passengers in the boarding areas of the airport.

Business Lounges

There is an impressive conference centre in the Southern Office Block near Terminal 5 with several rooms and training facilities to host up to 80 people.

Cape Town Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.